best guyline setup???

**KevinDee** · 06-26-2010, 12:41

well my tarp and guylines came in today and i cant wait to set them both up. I got the speer no tangle guyline so its just a long 100' piece. I have the 11X10 JRB tarp with several places to attach a line. So what is the best way to do this? I have seen guylines that have a bunch of loops in them and you just put a stake in the loop of your choice. is there a way to make the lines adjustable? what is the ideal length for the lines?

**KevinDee** · 06-26-2010, 13:15

instead of tying several loops in one like could I just tie one loop with a prusik knot? that way I could slide the loop where ever I want?

**Bat** · 06-26-2010, 13:30

No need to even do that. Tie a Marlin Spike hitch with the stake and put it in the ground.

**kayak karl** · 06-26-2010, 14:09

let me just throw this in. i was told if i use too strong of a tie-out i will destroy my tarp. ive tied out my JRB with line knots each end.
can you destroy a tarp with too much tension??

**Poppabear** · 06-26-2010, 14:12

My guylines are pre-tied to my tent stakes and rolled up for easy no tangle transport and stowage. Once the tarp is strung in it's chosen location. I put the stakes in the ground at what I judge to be the proper distant from the tarp. I also ensure that the stake angles away from the tarp. I then thread the end of the guyline through the chosen tarp loop and tie a simple taut line hitch. Once all my stakes and guy lines are placed. It's' a simple matter to adjust the tarp tension. If for what ever reason I need to readjust tension latter it's simple as pie. To loosen or tighten as needed. It's a K.I.S.S. procedure that only takes a very few minutes to set up or take down.

**KMACK** · 06-26-2010, 15:41

I keep my guy lines tied to the tarp via a taut line hitch. I stake out using a marlin hitch and then adj. tightness w/the taut line hitch at the tarp tie out. Only your hands will get wet if its raining and you need to make adjustments.

**Knotty** · 06-26-2010, 16:41

Originally Posted by kayak karl

let me just throw this in. i was told if i use too strong of a tie-out i will destroy my tarp. ive tied out my JRB with line knots each end.
can you destroy a tarp with too much tension??

That warning has to do with the failure point in high wind. Some like to make sure the tie out line will fail before the tarp tears.

Personally, I use a strong tie out line and figure the stakes pulling out is the weak link.

**mtncmpr** · 06-26-2010, 17:40

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I have some extra Zing-It. I know it's overkill, but the feel of it (new) makes me think it might be a good "no tangle" style of cord. Any thoughts?

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**gakayaker** · 06-27-2010, 15:33

instead of tying several loops in one like could I just tie one loop with a prusik knot? that way I could slide the loop where ever I want?

That is what I do and it works good for me. Very simple and fast setup with no knot tying.

**Bubba** · 06-27-2010, 15:49

I do the same as others have mentioned, tautline hitch through the tarp loop and marlin spike for the stake. I'm going to add some bungee cord or silicone tubing for self tensioning.